Fountainhead (re)visited
If you want to get away from it all for a few days, surrounded by the peace and beauty of nature yet not cut off from the world; if you enjoy a rustic setting but style and comfort are important to you too, then you may want to try the Fountainhead Hotel near Riogordo, in the mountains behind Málaga. Chances are you’ll visit again…
It’s less than an hour from the city of Málaga, with the little white-plastered town of Riogordo just a short drive away, but out here you feel like you’re far removed from the madness of cities, traffic and stress – part of a rural world of big skies and panoramic views. Spread gently along the slope of a hill, each suite has an independent feel, with two bedrooms, a sumptuous bathroom with Jacuzzi, a shower room, kitchenette, lounge area and a terrace with a private plunge pool.
Here, peace and privacy are accompanied by style and service as the well-stocked suites provide a stylish, exciting retreat in a variety of ambiences. These include the sultry, sexy red and black sophistication of the Japanese suite, the languidly sensual aura of the Indian suite and the cool perfection of the Moorish suite, to name a few. If you’re in a funky, Austin Powers kind of a mood you’ll love the Arizona suite as well. Fitted with complete comfort and independence in mind, room service or the booking of a spa session or gourmet meal are however just a call away.
Urban pleasures in rural surroundings
You’ll watch the sun rise over a succession of mountains and valleys from your bed, see the lights of farmsteads and distant villages twinkle as you take a romantic bubble bath, or relax on the terrace to the accompaniment of a herd of goats munching away happily on a hillside. The natural bouquet of wild flowers, pine trees and Mediterranean scrub is added to by the potpourris, soaps and body lotions that co-founder Helen makes from locally sourced flowers, fruits and herbs. She uses olive oil, obtained from the more than 200 olive trees on the estate, as a base for soaps and other products that are used in the small but beautifully designed spa.
Helen is an inspired source of creativity and energy. Having founded and designed the Fountainhead with her architect husband, Peter, she has put her boundless energy into creating a stylish little country retreat where the setting, décor, detail and indeed the cuisine are more than worth writing home about. Peter’s architectural skill is evident in the beautifully proportioned buildings, architectural detail, stunning perspectives and in the way he has minimised the impact on the environment. To others: look and learn!
A great base from which to explore some of these lovely surroundings (the roads around here are surprisingly good), you wouldn’t want to spend too much time away. What, with a whole range of personalised spa treatments by a trained in-house beautician, your own private plunge pool and, as the cherry on the icing, a chef who could give many an overpriced gourmet restaurant a run for its money. In addition to being a hardworking hotelier with an obvious knack for design, Helen is also an outstanding chef. It’s a mix which we think will make you want to come back for more.
Details:
www.fountainheadinspain.com
